What Mercedes-Benz GLE owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Mercedes-Benz GLE safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2026 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 90 |
| 2025 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 232 |
| 2024 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 280 |
| 2023 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 296 |
| 2022 | 56 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 328 |
| 2021 | 71 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 376 |
| 2020 | 122 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 408 |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 139 |
| 2018 | 44 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 131 |
| 2017 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 85 |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 83 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Mercedes-Benz GLE complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
The vehicle repeatedly had a check-engine light and the same engine-related complaint during multiple repair visits. The dealer attempted repairs several times, including an engine rebuild and later cylinder-head work. Despite those repairs, the engine later failed. The same loud screeching noise has now returned on cold start and lasts about 7-10 seconds. This is the same recurring problem that brought the vehicle in for repair. I believe the repeated failure to correct the condition led to the engine failure; the cause of the current screech has not yet been independently diagnosed. I am concerned about another engine failure and possible loss of power while driving. No crash, fire, or inj…
Dashboard screen went black. No information available. Speed, RPM, all warning lights, turn signal lights and all information like fuel level etc. Everything total blankâ¦happened twice and reported to MB dealership but they could not replicate the issue. Have photo of blank screen. Not aware of speed while driving or any warnings.
The contact owns a 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a thumping sound and a gush of air before the panoramic sunroof glass shattered over the passenger seat, center console, rear seat, and on the driver in the driver's seat. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the Local Police was contacted. A Police Officer drove by without contacting the driver, but a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the dealer was closed. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed back to the same dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on July 13, 2026 at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair declared complete on July 15, but the check engine light returned the next day. On August 19 the dealer removed the cylinder head and found an internal oil passage that was restricted and clogged, which they stated may have caused insufficient oil flow and contributed to the camshaft timing failure. On August 24, Mercedes-Benz Engineering directed replacement of the complete engine. No replacement engin…
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on XXX at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair was declared complete on XXX but the check engine light returned the next day. After extended diagnosis involving Mercedes-Benz Engineering and a Field Service Engineer, the dealer removed the cylinder head on XXX and found an internal oil passage that was restricted and clogged. The dealer stated this may have caused insufficient oil flow and contributed to the camshaft timing failure. On XXX, Mercedes-Benz Engi…
The left side of the digital instrument cluster in my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 intermittently goes completely blank while driving. When this occurs, I cannot see critical vehicle information, including my speed, fuel level, warning indicators, and other important vehicle functions. The failure happens randomly and without warning. Approximately two months ago, I took the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for this issue. The dealer stated that the problem was corrected with a software update; however, the instrument-cluster failure has now returned. This creates a serious safety concern because I may be unable to monitor my speed, determine how much fuel remains, or see ur…
On XXX at approximately 8:45 am , at the Life Time parking lot, [XXX] the registered owner of the vehicle was slowly pulling the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLE 450 e into a parking space and was actively applying the brake as she entered the space. While she was braking, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated forward. she applied the brakes forcefully and continued braking hard throughout the entire unintended forward movement in an effort to stop the vehicle. Despite her continuous braking effort, the vehicle continued forward, traveled across the raised concrete curb, through the landscaping and bushes, across the grass and paved pedestrian path and toward the wetland reed area. She ult…
I get a message saying "Active Parking Assist and PARKTRONIC Inoperative See Operator's Manual" every time I start the car. Then when going through a car wash, PARKTRONIC cannot be switched off any more as part of the "Car Wash Mode" (that also folds the rearview mirrors and shuts the windows). So the car beeps all the way through the car wash. Then I get random alerts that there is a collision risk when I am parked, or driving at slow speed. It looks like there is a malfunction of one or more parking sensor. It is not too dangerous, just annoying, except when you are driving the car and getting surprising alerts for no reason. The make some jump every time and distracts me from looking at t…
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghornâlike) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the aboveâmentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi), noises can occur from the rear axle differential. Cause Drivetrain resonance caused by the gear mesh of the ring and pinion in the rear axle differential in combination with installed damper elements on the axle shafts. Remedy For precise noise analysis and localization, use the chassis ear/NVH kit and the following driving procedure: 1. Drive the vehicle in a tight circle with
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: ⢠Flashing without a speed limit ("â â"). ⢠Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. ⢠Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: ⢠Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. ⢠This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reason
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2â 3 key cycles. The vehicle can be released back to the customer.
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9GâTRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9GâTRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the onâgoing quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative im
Complaint Customer concern of Air Conditioning not cooling. *NOTE â Use of tracer DYE for leak checks is not approved. Only approved leak check procedures as per WIS are approved. Cause Possible refrigerant leak. Remedy Perform the following measures : *Important* â Photo documentation requirement is no longer in effect as of 10/1/2025. Remedy 1: Replace Evaporator (Only applies to vehicles produced PRIOR to April 15, 2022 and has NOT had the evaporator replaced previously) 1. Ensure that the rest of the AC system has been thoroughly checked for leaks with forming gas as per WIS before con
Complaint When coming to a stop or at slow speeds, brakes produce light squealing noise. Cause Optimized brake pads may produce some noise and is normal at low speeds and light pressure. If the noise begins when the weather is colder, brake noise during this time is normal and the below remedy will not rectify. Remedy NOTE: Exchanging brake discs for noise is not a permanent measure for noise mitigation and cannot be claimed under warranty according to this LI. If the brake pads have not been exchanged prior, vehicle is newer, and this is the first visit for brake noise: ⢠Wipe down brake di
Cause Internal failure of the scroll wheel within the AC compressor. Remedy Check the compressor's index and part number Figure 1 against Table 1. If listed please perform the following: 1. Replace the compressor, drier, and expansion valve using the applicable WIS instructions. 2. Flush the system using the applicable WIS instructions.
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dualâclutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical cha
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: â Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. â Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged bo
Complaint Noise from front end thought to be from steering gear. Cause During diagnostics of a front end noise, workshop is under the impression the noise is coming from the steering gear. Remedy If the root cause of the noise cannot be found and is seemingly from the steering rack, perform the below LI's and diagnostics. If they have been performed and the root cause still cannot be determined, a TIPS case must be opened to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment team prior to replacing the steering rack. ⢠LI46.35âPâ067339 â "Rattling, Humming, Dry Sliding/Gravel Noise When Steering" ⢠LI46
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by doubleâclicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") ⢠an XSS ticket may be n
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: ⢠Flashing without a speed limit ("â â"). ⢠Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. ⢠Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: ⢠Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. ⢠This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reason
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2016–2027, owners most often name: engine, electrical system, unknown or other. 416 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
